Employee benefit consulting may be one fundamental component of businessownership, but so too is networking – where employers discuss business issues with others within their industry so that they can take advantage of opportunities as they arise. But as a recent survey suggests, many of those who network prefer to do so through social networking rather than face-to-face.
According to a recent poll conducted by accounting and business firm Robert Half Management Resources, 45 percent of the chief financial officers polled said they preferred to network in social media settings, such as through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. When asked why they used these mediums, the majority of those polled – 60 percent – said it was to grow their business. Other reasons included to recruit new talent and to keep up to date on industry news.
Don't underestimate the value of in-person meetings
Despite CFOs' greater reliance on social media, Robert Half executive director Paul McDonald said that in-person networking opportunities are indispensable.
"Face-to-face meetings can build rapport in a way that electronic communication cannot," said McDonald. "Most people still want some personal familiarity before doing business with someone or making a referral."
This may further clarify why employee benefit services should be done in person as well, as employees may have questions that can't be answered in an effective way without employee benefit consultants actually being there to help.
As for networking suggestions, Robert Half says there are several things businessowners should do to get the most out of it.
Reach out regularly
Many entrepreneurs will only network when they need something. This is a bad idea, though, because it may weaken the bonds that form by staying in touch consistently. Instead, reach out to various contacts on a fairly regular basis, even if it's just to talk about the latest news developments in the industry.
Open all lines of communication
Though in-person networking activities may be best, there's nothing wrong with using social media as well. The trick is to establish the right balance. RHMR says this can be achieved by keeping all lines of communication open and using a different means of reaching out each time, such as by emailing, then setting up a face-to-face meeting, then using social media.
Keep up to date
RHMR also advises business owners to stay abreast of the latest developments happening within their industry. Social media may be the best source to look to, as many newsworthy events are first shared on Twitter.
